Our University continues to move forward at full speed, with a variety of accomplishments all across our campus. As always, I'm proud of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and board, who all contribute in meaningful ways to advance our mission of "improving the well-being of the communities we serve."

John P. Smith, DO

There have been several changes to the KCU Board of Trustees since the beginning of the year. John P. Smith, DO (COM '75), was elected to serve as chairman of the KCU Board of Trustees, effective January 1, 2017. Dr. Smith, formerly vice chair, replaces outgoing chair Marshall D. Walker, DO (COM'72), who remains on our board. Eugene Oliveri, DO (COM '64), a trustee since 2013, will serve as the new vice chair. (read more) We also are pleased to welcome new board member Kevin Lockett, partner and chief financial officer at Fulcrum Global Capital. (read more) KCU is fortunate to have extremely dedicated and engaged trustees, and I congratulate these members on their new roles.

I'm pleased to announce completion of the University's new strategic plan,

"A Foundation for Our Second Century." Facilitated by Tripp Umbach, our strategic planning committee, which represented a diverse group of internal KCU constituents, met over an 8-month period to develop the plan. Tripp Umbach also held group meetings with various internal and external constituents, gaining vital input that helped guide the process. Understanding our organizational objectives and embracing the vision for our future will help KCU remain on course to most effectively educate the next generation of physicians, scientists and other health care professionals as we begin our second 100 years.

We've also published "A Century In The Making," our 2016 annual report. This publication not only highlights the many accomplishments during our centennial year, but also reflects on our history and heritage, and their impact on the great success KCU enjoys today.

Our University's primary research strategy leverages the power of collaboration to improve the health of patients worldwide. KCU Professor of Physiology Jingsong Zhou, PhD, and University of Illinois - Chicago Associate Professor Jun Sun, PhD, have demonstrated in a mouse model the link between the use of probiotics in maintaining gut health and a slowing of the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The researchers' findings were recently published in the journal Clinical Therapeutics. Learn more about the study.Link to the abstract.Read the local news storyand watch local TV coverageof these findings.

KCU is getting closer to reaching our centennial campaign philanthropic goal of $7.5 million for capital needs, which will secure a $1 million challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation to help build our Center for Medical and Surgical Simulation. To date, we have raised more than $5 million, with a little more than $2 million to go by October 11, 2017.

We continue to focus our fundraising efforts on regional, community and alumni outreach, asking for support in bringing the most innovative center for medical training to KCU and our surrounding community. (learn more)

See below for additional updates and visit KCU News for the latest on what's happening at our University. You can follow me @KCUMBpresident.

Marc B. Hahn, DO

Student Research Appears in the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

KCU medical student Vicki Sharma, OMS-III, is the lead author of research findings published in the February 2017 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. "What is the Lobular Branch of the Great Auricular Nerve? Anatomical Description and Significance in Rhytidectomy" focuses on the topographic location and isolation of the lobular branch of the great auricular nerve to help prevent injury during rhytidectomies.

The study was co-authored by Dr. Chris Surek, a 2011 KCU graduate and plastic surgery resident at University of Kansas Medical Center, and KCU faculty members Drs. Robert Stephens and Barth Wright. Learn more and link to the abstract.

KCU Alums Recognized By MSACOFP

C. Mark Rose, DO

The Missouri Society of the American College Of Osteopathic Family Physicians (MSACOFP) recognized three KCU graduates during the

association's Winter Scientific Seminar held January 28.

C. Mark Rose, DO (COM '86), was inducted as the 2017 MSACOFP president. Dr. Rose is a clinical instructor at KCU and assistant clinical professor at the University of Missouri - KC and Columbia. He has practiced family medicine in Richmond, Missouri, since 1987, with a special interest in pediatrics. KCU presented Dr. Rose with a proclamation during the luncheon ceremony.

In addition, Bruce Williams, DO (COM '87), was inducted as MSACOFP treasurer, and Heather Wilson, DO (COM '15), MS (COB '10), was awarded one of two resident scholarships for her residency at Capital Regional Medical Center in Jefferson City, Missouri.

We congratulate these alumni on their continued participation in our osteopathic profession at the state level. Learn more about MSACOFP.

Arbor Day Foundation Designates KCU "2016 Tree Campus USA"

KCU has earned special recognition from Tree Campus USA, a national program launched by the Arbor Day Foundation. Tree Campus USA honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

As part of our ongoing sustainability efforts and in recognition of our centennial year, KCU planted 100 trees in our surrounding neighborhood and on our campus during 2016. The "100 Trees Project" contributed in large part to our University receiving 2016 Tree Campus USA designation. (read more)

We have more exciting news than ever before at KCU! In addition to the updates included in this month's e-newsletter, be sure to check out the current issue of KCU Magazine and visit KCU News regularly for other KCU stories, such as: